Appalachian State vs Coastal Carolina Game Preview & Prediction

Game Time: 3:30 PM EST, Saturday October 21st 2017

TV: ESPN3

Radio: Appalachian IMG Sports Network, Chanticleer Sports Network

Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone North Carolina

Spread: Appalachian State -24

Previous Meeting: Appalachian beat Coastal 55-14 in 2012

Outlook

After a valiant come from behind victory at Idaho a week ago, Appalachian returns to Kidd Brewer this Saturday to take on the Sun Belt newcomer in Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers are coming off a 51-17 whipping at the hands of Arkansas State a week ago and continues the tough their 2017 conference schedule. It is family weekend in Boone so a lot of players’ family members will be at “The Rock” to take in the contest this weekend.

Appalachian comes in as a 24 point favorite over the Chanticleers and on paper one thinks this would be a blowout. I think most App fans think this is going to be the case. The issue continues to be the App State offense as they had another down week last week at Idaho. The defense continues to make plays to give this team a chance. I know the saying is “Defense wins championships” but at some point the offense has to become more high octane in the form it was against NMSU a couple weeks ago. It all starts with the run game for Appalachian as it has been very inconsistent this season.

Yes, App is replacing some key cogs on the o-line, but this is still a very good offensive line. Jalin Moore has not been his normal self except for the NMSU game and Upshaw has been up and down at best. Receiver wise Thomas Hennigan has been a tremendous bright spot as a true freshman in the absence of Shae Meadors. Taylor Lamb continues to win for Appalachian and play pretty well doing so. For the year Lamb is 102-of-167 for 1,197 yards 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

Coastal Carolina will face one of the toughest defenses they will see all year. The run game has been a struggle for CCU this year much like Appalachian. Osharmar Abercrombie has just 437 yards on 77 carries and three scores for the season. QB Tyler Keane has now went two straight games without an interception which is a big confidence builder not just for him. but the offense as a whole.

Prediction

Chadwel will have the Chanticleers ready to play as this matchup could turn into being a premiere regional rivalry once we see divisions in 2018 within the belt. Appalachian needs to make a big statement to show the conference title runs through Boone and what better way to make a statement at home against a struggling Coastal Carolina team. Expect a good showing out of the ASU defense and for Lamb to have a good day through the air.

Appalachian State 44-17